Humidifier



June 13, 1939. E. A. REID 2,162,462

-I'IUMIDIFIER Filed NOV. 18, 1936 3 Sheets-Sheet l- June 13, 1939. R 2,162,462

HUHIDIF'IER Filed Nov. 18, 1936 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 E. A. REID HUMIDIFIER June 13, 1939.

Filed Nov. 18, 1936 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented June 13, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 24 Claims.

This invention relates to humidifiers and more particularly to that type of humidifier wherein a body of liquid is heated by an'electric heating means in a container provided with means to conduct the vapors arising from the hot liquid to the surrounding atmosphere. This type of humidifier is disclosed in my former Patents Nos. 1,930,771 and 1,993,116 and this invention is concerned with certain improvements therein.

An object of my invention is to provide a humidifier of this type which is simple in construction yet durable and reliable in operation as well as convenient to install.

Another object of my invention is to provide a novel insulating means for the electrical elements of the device whereby the usual receptacles and supporting means therefor may be conveniently constructed of metal yet danger of short circuits or shocks is eliminated.

Another object of my invention is to provide a novel and improved regulating and adjusting means for the electric heating elements whereby positive and complete control of evaporation is attained and wherein the manual operating means for said control is removed from the path of hot vapors.

A further object of my invention is to provide novel and efiicient means in a humidifier of this type for preventing boiling over or excessive boiling of the liquid.

A further object of my invention is to provide an improved drain means for a humidifier of this character.

A still further object of my invention is to provide an improved construction of a humidifier wherein an auxiliary chamber or container for odorous substances is built into the device and arranged in efiicient heat conducting relation to the receptacles containing the hot liquids.

A further object of my invention is to provide a container surrounding the electric heating means for collecting deposits resulting from the evaporation of water which is readily removable for cleaning purposes.

Another object of my invention is to provide a humidifier of the type described wherein the float receptacle, evaporating receptacle, base and auxiliary chamber are made in one-piece and preferably, though not necessarily, out of insulating material.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a humidifier incorporating means to prevent overfiow of the liquid in the event of leaky valves, etc.

The foregoing and other objects will become apparent from a detailed description of a specific embodiment of my invention for which reference is made to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to like elements and in which: 5

Figure 1 is a plan view of the device with the cover in place;

Figure 2 is a front elevation of the device;

Figure 3 is a view similar to that shown in Figure 1 but with the cover removed to show the 0 interior mechanism of the device;

Figure 4 is vertical sectional view of the device taken on the lines 4-4 of Figure 3, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 5 is a vertical longitudinal sectional 5 view of a modified form of the invention,

Figure 6 is a vertical longitudinal view of a further modification with certain parts omitted for clarity.

Figure '7 is a sectional view of Figure 6 taken 20 on line II looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 8 is a sectional view of a modification of the insulating elements shown in Figures 4 and 5.

Referring particularly to Figures 2 and 4 the reference character I0 designates a base portion 25 which is formed of brass or other suitable metal and on which are mounted two similar cylindrical elements H and I2. These cylindrical elements are formed of metal similar to that of base I0 and are soldered, brazed, welded or otherwise 30 suitably secured to the base I0, and in this instance at the flanged portions I5 and I6. As seen in Figure 4 these cylindrical elements form adjoining receptacles and are provided with a communicating passageway H. The bottom of 35 this passageway is formed by an extension I8 of the side wall of the cylindrical element I2 while the side walls thereof are formed by similar extensions I9 of the cylindrical element II. These projections are joined to the elements II 40 and I2 and to each other by suitable soldering so that the passageway I1 is liquid-tight for a purpose to be discussed later.

Adjacent to the passageway I1 and secured to the walls of the cylindrical elements II and I2 is 45 a cap securing element 20, see Figure 3, which is provided with a screw threaded opening 2I to receive the cap-securing screw 22, see Figure 4.

Seated on the upper ends of the cylindrical elements II and I2 is a cap I3, which is made of 50 molded, insulating material. This cap is provided with a downwardly extending flange 23 which fits snugly around the upper ends of the elements II and I2 and thus holds the cap in proper position. The screw 22 extends through 55 the cap and into the element 20 thereby securing the cap in place.

As seen in Figure 1 the right-hand end of cap I3 is provided with radial slots 24 while the lefthand end is provided with a single diametric slot 25.

As shown in Figure 4, a screw 26 secures a transverse member 27 to the projection i8. This member 21 is formed of some suitable metal such as brass and is secured at its opposite end in a slot 28 in the element H. Pivoted to the transverse member 21 at 29 is an operating lever 35 made of insulating material and which projects through the slot 25 in cap [3. Pivoted to the member 2! at 3! is link 32 which is operatively associated with the lever 35 by means of a pin and slot connection 3334. This link 32 extends through the passageway ll into the upper part of the receptacle formed by the cylindrical element l2. The projecting end of link 32 pivotally supports at 35 an electrode yoke 36.

To the electrode yoke 36, which is also formed of insulating material are attached the electrode supporting members 3'! and 38. The member 3'1 is rigidly secured thereto by suitable means such as rivets while the member 38 is adjustably mounted thereon by means of a pivotal connec tion 42. This pivotal connection is not loose enough to permit the member 38 to freely pivot thereon but does permit manual angular adjustment of the member 38 in respect to the yoke 36 for a purpose to be hereinafter explained. Joined by welding to the lower ends of the members 3'! and 38 are the electrodes 40 and 4! which are preferably formed of stainless steel or other corrosion resisting metal. The electrode 43 is guided vertically by means of a slot or slots 83 provided in an insulating cup element 43 to be further described.

Positioned within the cylindrical element I2 is the cup-shaped element 53 formed of molded insulating material and provided at its upper open end with a flange 44 which rests on the upper rim of element l2 underneath cap l3. In the lower portion of the element 43 there is provided an aperture 8| which communicates with the receptacle formed by the base Ill and cylindrical element l2 while in the upper portion is an aperture 84 registering with the opening l1. Near the upper open end of the insulating cup 43 is a projection 45 which fits into a corresponding aperture it in the element l2, see Figure 3.

Carried by the projection 45 are two contact screws 4'! and 48 Which extend within the interior of the cup element 43. These contact screws are connected to a suitable source of electric current by means of the cable 49 and at their inner ends support two similar metallic contact elements 53-55 from the ends of which flexible leads 5252 extend to the electrode supports 31 and 38. The contact elements Elli-50 are closely spaced as at 5! for a purpose to be further ex plained. The cover i3 is formed at 80, Figure 1, to extend over these contact screws.

Referring again to the base Hi it is seen that it is provided with a conventional valve or stopcock l4, Figure 3, and also with a passageway 53 communicating with the passageway 9 in said stop-cock. The passageway 53 leads into an opening 54 in the lower portion of base [0 which is closed by a plug 55 and gasket 55. Arranged in this opening is a screen 51 and leading therefrom is a passageway 58 which opens into the receptacle formed by the left-hand portion of base [0 and the cylindrical element H. A spring pressed valve 59 closes the passageway 53.

Mounted on the base It by screw 36 within the aforementioned receptacle is a supporting element 6i which carries at one end a float guide rod 62 and at the other a hinge 63 for the float controlled arm 64. As can be seen in Figure 4, the extreme end of this arm 54 is curved and adapted to contact a float 55 which is guided by the rod 62. Near the hinge 63 the arm bears against a projecting stem 55 on the valve 59. A passage 61 connects the two receptacles formed by elements I! and I2 and base iii.

Again referring to the cap i3 which is seated on the upper ends of elements El and as previously explained, it will be noted that flanges ll fit downwardly inside of elements it and i2 and that ridges l8'i8 provided on each end of the cap adjacent to the openings and 25. These flanges and ridges catch condensate arising from the receptacles and drain it back into he device.

At the bottom of each receptacle and in the base it] is provided a drain plug 58 with a valve 15 and drain opening 63 thus providing a ready means for draining the receptacles.

Secured to the elements H and i2 by welding or other suitable means a cylindrical container H, see Figu'es l and 3. This container is ar ranged in good heat conducting contact with the receptacles H and i2 and serves as a container for medicinal substances, perfumes, disinfectants, deodorants and the like preferably by the insertion of suitable vials containing such substances for admitting auxiliary vapors therefrom in conjunction with humidification.

It is possible to facilitate production by form ing the base l5 and the elements If and i2 and also the auxiliary chamber ii in one piece, if desired. Also, the auxiliary chamber ii may be a separately formed member arranged in eiiicient heat conducting relation with the elements ll and i2. Further, the necessity for the use of the insulating cup element may be obviated by making the base it, elements El and I2 and the chamber H in one piece and of insulating material.

Referring now to Figures 5, 6 and 7 modifications incorporating the features mentioned in the foregoing paragraph are described.

In Figure 5 the receptacle 25 which is formed in one piece and houses the inserted container 86 in a portion thereof is shown. The reference character 89 designates a vertically extending rib or projection on the rear side wall of receptacle which cooperates with a similar rib or projection on the front wall thereof, not shown, to form a more or less restricted passageway between the right and left hand portions of the said receptacle. The receptacle S5 is adapted to be connected with a liquid supply through the float controlled valve 59, as described in connection with Figures 1 to 4. The float 56 maintains a substantially constant level of liquid within the receptacle 85. The inserted container 85 is supported within the receptacle 85, in the same manner as container 33 of Figure 4, and forms a compartment in which liquid is evaporated by boiling. This container is preferably made of suitable insulating material and provided with an opening SI for the admission of liquid by gravity from the receptacle and with passageway 31, for returning liquid to the receptacle 85 to prevent the liquid from overflowing the humidifier in case boiling becomes excessive. Side wall 89 of the receptacle 86 is provided with an integral boss 88 adjacent the passageway 81 which serves to support the transverse member 21 and link 32 on which are mounted the electrode and electrode controlling means as previously described in connection with Figure 4. However, in this modification both of the electrode supporting elements 31 and 38 are pivotally mounted on the member 36. As the electrodes and operating means therefore are mounted on the container 86 it is seen that upon removal of the cap screw 22 and the cap I3, the container may be bodily removed for cleaning purposes without disturbing the parts attached thereto. It will also be noted that the cupshaped element 43 may likewise be removed for cleaning purposes.

In Figures 6 and '7 a further modified form is shown in which receptacle 99 is formed of one piece and preferably of insulating material and is provided with the partition 9| forming a liquid supply chamber 92 and a liquid evaporating chamber 93. Also formed integrally therewith is the auxiliary chamber 94. The liquid supply chamber is adapted to receive liquid from a liquid supply in the manner previously described in connection with Figures 4 and 5 and is likewise provided with a suitable float controlled valve, not shown, for maintaining a constant level of liquid therein.

The partition 9| has a slot-like communicating passageway 96 and the enlarged communicating passageway 91. The passageway 96 extends downwardly from the enlarged passageway 91 to provide an opening for the passage of liquid from the chambers 92 and 93. Liquid is supplied from the chamber 92 to chamber 93 through slot 96 for evaporation. The enlarged passageway 91 provides an overflow for the boiling liquid from the evaporating chamber 93 to the chamber 92 in case the boiling level of the liquid rises to the level of the passageway 91 and thereby prevents excessive boiling.

The auxiliary chamber 94 is formed as an integral part of receptacle 99 and in heat conducting relation with the chamber 93. It is adapted to receive a supply of odorous substances for vaporization as previously described in connection with the similar chamber 1 I, of Figure 3.

It will be understood that the electrodes and their operating means not shown are mounted in the recess I89 and slot Hll in similar manner as in Figure 4, see projection I8 and slot 28, and that the usual cap I3 is provided.

In the modification shown in Figures 6 and 7 the need for the insertable containers 43 and 86 is not present when the receptacles 92 and 93 are made of insulating material. However, if these are desired for cleaning purposes or if the receptacles 92 and 93 are made of non-insulating material, these inserted containers may be used.

The operation of all the modifications is the same and believed to be obvious. However, the same is set forth in detail below in connection with Figures 1 to 4.

In operation the device is connected to a source of liquid supply through the stop-cock l4 which may also serve as a support for the device and to a source of electric current by the cable 49. The liquid enters receptacle ll, through passages 9, 53, 54, 58 and rises to a level determined by the float mechanism 64, 65 and 66. From the receptacle II the liquid flows into receptacle l2 through duct 61 and passageway 8| until it reaches the level in receptacle II. This level is such as to cause a partial immersion only of the electrodes 40--4l when the adjusting lever is in the low position shown in Figure 4. The liquid acting as a conductor between the electrodes 494l is heated and gives off vapor which passes out into the atmosphere through the slots 24-24 in cap l3. The float mechanism automatically supplies liquid from the source to the receptacles II and I2 maintaining a constant level therein during evaporation.

Regulation of the rate of evaporation is obtained in the following manner. Moving the lever to the left, Figure 4, through the connection 33-34 and link 32 moves the electrodes downwardly into the liquid towards the dotted line positions 16-16 which is reached at the extreme extent of movement of lever 30. This causes a total immersion of the electrodes and corresponds to the high position of Figure 1. With the electrodes totally immersed heating of the liquid is at a maximum. It is, of course, obvious that the electrodes need not be totally immersed in the high position. By moving the lever 39 to the right, Figure 4, the electrodes ray be progressively removed from the liquid and heating correspondingly diminished. Extrcme movement to the right, i. e. to the off position of Figure 1, entirely removes the electrodes from the liquid, see dotted line position l5-l5, Figure 4, and hence breaks the electric circuit thus preventing further heating of the liqu d. Thus complete control of the rate of evaporation from zero to maximum is provided. The lever 39 is accessible from the outside of the device and is suitably insulated due to its construction from the electrodes 48--4I.

As a further means of regulating the heating effect of the electrodes the arm 38, carrying the electrode 4|, may be angularly adjusted about the pivot 42 thus changing the gap between electrodes and hence varying the heating effect of the same on the intervening liquid. The dotted line positions 4l'4l' of Figure 4 illustrate two possible adjustments of this type.

This type of adjustment may also be provided for both electrodes, as shown in Figure 5, in which case the guide slot 83 is, of course, omitted.

By projecting the electrode adjusting means from the evaporating receptacle l2 through the opening I! and into the receptacle II the operating lever 30 is removed from the path of the hot vapors arising from the liquid in the evaporating receptacle. Thus the danger of burning the hands by contact with a heated adjusting lever or steam is obviated.

Another important feature of my invention is the means to prevent boiling over of the liquid in receptacle I2 and also to prevent excessive boiling of said liquid. This is done by providing the communicating passage l1 between the upper portions of these two receptacles. As the liquid rises in receptacle I2, because of boiling, to the level of the passage I'I, it is conducted back into the float receptacle II and hence boiling over through the slots 24-24 in the cap l3 and excessive boiling is prevented. A further means to prevent excessive boiling is also provided by means of the closely spaced contact elements 50-59, Figure 3. On excessive boiling sufficient to cause trouble the liquid rises so as to touch these contact elements. This causes a portion of the current to flow between these contacts. This results in a proportionate reduction of the current flowing between the electrodes 404l and hence operates to reduce boiling of the liquid.

Another important aspect of my invention is the novel means of insulating the electrodes and their connections from the metallic receptacles I l and I2. This is done by providing the cup 43, which is formed of suitable insulating material and secured within the receptacle l2. This cup 43, as can be readily seen from Figures 3 and 4, provides a support for the electric contact elements 5-50 as well as a guide 83 for the electrode ii]. By this arrangement it is impossible for the electrodes 40-4l to contact the metallic element i2 and thus dangerous short circuits are prevented and the possibility of shocks is eliminated. It is also noted that the contact screws -48 are safely housed under the portion of cap 53, see Figure 1.

While the insulating elements 43 and 8B are preferably formed as cup-shaped the same is not necessary and any other suitable form may be utilized. Figure 8 shows an example of such a variation in which the insulating element is in the nature of an open-ended sleeve. The opening 86 corresponds to the openings 84 and 87 in the elements 43 and 86, respectively, and serves the same purpose in the prevention of excessive boiling or boiling over of the liquid. However, the cup-shaped form has the added advantage of permitting ready cleaning and removal of sediment.

A still further feature of my invention is the provision of the integral container H for emitting various odors to the atmosphere. This container is metallic and arranged in efflcient heat conducting relation to the evaporating receptacle 12. Thus heat generated with said receptacle is transmitted readily to any odorous substance placed within the auxiliary container thereby causing vapor to arise from said substance to the surrounding atmosphere. As previously noted various types of odorous substances may be used to give the desired effect.

The drain plugs B868 provide a ready and efficient means for draining the receptacles and thus removing sediment therefrom which would tend to prevent efficient operation of the device.

It is noted that the holes 8i in the containers 43 and 86 are formed in an inwardly extending boss provided thereon and while this particular structure is not essential it does serve a useful purpose by the retention of certain salts which tend to make boiling more uniform.

While the above described humidifiers are all shown provided With electrode heating means it is possible to substitute therefor a conventional resistance type immersion heater. In this event the cup-shaped elements 43 and 46 may be made of metal or other non-insulating material.

It will be observed that my humidifiers include means to prevent the liquid from overflowing. As before noted the cable 49 is connected with a suitable source of electric current. When the electrodes are raised to the position indicated in Figure 4, by the numeral 15, with the lever 31 in the ofl position, the circuit is broken and evaporation by boiling ceases. However, due to wearing of the parts, such as valves, etc., liquid may seep into the device. In this event, the liquid level will slowly rise until contact is made with the electrodes and evaporation will then be resumed thus preventing overflow of liquid from the humidifier and the attendant damage to rugs, floors, etc.

From the foregoing description of my invention it is seen that I have provided an improved electric humidifier which is simple yet durable in construction, which provides novel and improved electrode supporting and adjusting means as well as novel means for preventing boiling over or excessive boiling of the liquid. My invention further provides improved insulation of the electrodes and their electrical connections and also a novel auxiliary container for the emission of odors to the atmosphere in connection with humidification.

My invention further provides a novel humidiher of one-piece construction and includes a removable container for the removal of sediment as well as automatic means for preventing overflow of the liquid.

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiment is therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States Letters Patent is:

1. An electric humidifier comprising a base portion, a float receptacle and an evaporating receptacle mounted on said base portion, means providing a communicating passage between adjacent upper ends of said receptacles, electric heating means, supporting means for said heating means positioned in said evaporating receptacle, a transverse member mounted in the upper portion of said float receptacle and extending into said passage, a link pivoted to said member and to said supporting means, and an operating lever pivoted to said member and said link and extending to the exterior of said float receptacle.

2. An electric humidifier comprising a base portion, a float receptacle and an evaporating receptacle mounted on said base portion, means providing a communicating passage between the upper portions of said receptacles, spaced electrodes positioned in said evaporating receptacle provided with a common supporting means, a link pivoted to said supporting means and extending through said passage, an operating lever supported in said float receptacle and extending to the outside thereof, and means operatively connecting said operating lever to said link.

3. In an electric humidifier including a float receptacle and an evaporating receptacle, means providing a communicating passage between said receptacles, spaced electrodes positioned in said evaporating receptacle, supporting means for said electrodes, a member extending through said passage into said float receptacle, a slotted cover on said float receptacle and operating means for said last-named member including a lever extending through said slotted cover to the outside of said float receptacle.

4. In an electric humidifier provided with a float receptacle and an evaporating receptacle, means providing a communicating passage between said receptacles, a transverse element secured in the upper portion of said float receptacle and having one end projecting into said passage, a link pivoted on said transverse element and projecting into each of said receptacles, electric heating means, a supporting element for said heating means pivoted to one end of said link and an opcrating member operatively associated with the other end of said link- 5. An electric humidifier comprising a float receptacle and an evaporating receptacle, means providing a communicating passage between the upper portions of said receptacles, an electrode supporting element positioned in said evaporating receptacle, spaced electrodes carried by said supporting element, one of said electrodes bein adjustably mounted on said supporting element and the other said electrode being rigidly attached to said supporting element, a link pivoted to said supporting element and extending through said passage into the upper portion of said float receptacle, an adjusting lever mounted in said float receptacle and operatively connected to said link, said adjusting lever extending to the exterior of said float receptacle.

6. In an electric humidifier comprising a float receptacle and an evaporating receptacle, means providing a communicating passage between said receptacles above the liquid level of said receptacles, electric heating means movably mounted in said evaporating receptacle, operating means for said heating means including means extending through said passage and an adjusting member attached to said last-named means and extending to the exterior of said float receptacle.

7. In an electric humidifier, an evaporating receptacle, means to supply liquid to said receptacle, spaced electrodes positioned in said receptacle and adapted to contact said liquid, means to prevent excessive boiling of said liquid comprising closely spaced electric contact elements, said contact elements being connected to said electrodes and positioned in the upper portion of said receptacle, whereby on excessive boiling the liquid contacts said contact elements thus diverting current from said electrodes and reducing boiling of the liquid.

8. In an electric humidifier comprising a float receptacle and an evaporating receptacle, means supplying liquid to said receptacles, electric heating means in said evaporating receptacle, means to prevent excessive boiling of said liquid in said evaporating receptacle including an overflow means from said evaporating receptacle to said float receptacle and closelyspaced electric contact means associated with said electric heating means.

9. In a humidifier, a receptacle forming element including integral base and wall portions, an integrally formed transverse member dividing said receptacle into adjacent float and evaporating chambers, said member being provided with communicating means: extending downwardly from the top thereof, said communicating means being of considerably greater width adjacent its upper portion that at its lower portion.

10. In a humidifier, a receptacle element formed of insulating material, a transverse member dividing said receptacle into adjacent float and evaporating chambers, said member being provided with a passage communicating between said chambers, said passage comprising an upper portion of considerable width and a narrowed portion leading downwardly therefrom.

11. In an electrical humidifier, adjacent float and evaporating receptacles, an insulating element inserted in said evaporating receptacle and adapted to receive a liquid from said receptacle, spaced electrodes positioned within said insulating element for vaporizing a liquid, electric contact means carried by said insulating element and having portions extending to the exterior thereof, electric leads connecting said electrodes to said contact means, said exterior portions being adapted to connect with an electric circuit, and a cover member for said receptacles provided with means enclosing the exterior portions of said contact means.

12. In a humidifier, a base portion, a float receptacle and an evaporating receptacle mounted on said base portion, said base portion being provided with a duct leading from said float receptacle to said evaporatng receptacle, a vented cover for said evaporating receptacle, electric heating means in said evaporating receptacle, means for automatically admitting liquid to said float and evaporating receptacles, and means to prevent excessive boiling and boiling over of said liquid in said evaporating receptacle comprising means forming a communicating passage between the upper portions of said float and evaporating receptacles.

13. In an electric humidifier, a float receptacle and an evaporating receptacle, a vented cover for said evaporating receptacle, float mechanism mounted in said float receptacle, means to conduct liquid from said float receptacle to said evaporating receptacle, means for automatically admitting liquid to said float receptacle, electric heating means in said evaporating receptacle, and means to prevent boiling over and excessive boiling of said liquid in said evaporating receptacle comprising means to return boiling liquid from the upper portion of said evaporating receptacle to said float receptacle.

14. In an electric humidifier, adjoining float and evaporating compartments having a cover provided with means for emitting vapor, means to conduct liquid from said float compartment to said evaporating compartment, electric heating means in said evaporating compartment for boiling liquid, means for preventing liquid from overflowing the humidifier comprising an overflow means from said evaporating compartment to said float compartment, means for automatically controlling admission of liquid to said float compartment from a liquid supply including shutting off said admission of liquid when the overflow from said evaporating compartment to said float con1 partment is excessive.

15. In an electric humidifier, a float receptacle and an evaporating receptacle, a cover for said receptacles adapted to emit vapor, means for automatically admitting liquid to said receptacles, electric heating means in said evaporating receptcle for boiling liquid, an external auxiliary container adjacent said receptacles adapted to receive a supply of odorous substance and to emit odors therefrom, said auxiliary container having a portion thereof positioned in heat conduction relation with said receptacles whereby the odorous substance within said container thermoresponsively emits odors directly to the atmosphere.

16. In an electric humidifier, a receptacle having communicating float and evaporating chambars, a drain passage at the bottom of said receptacle communicating with the interior of said receptacle and providing an outlet therefor, and an externally operable member including cooperating means for opening and closing said passage.

17. In an electric humidifier, a receptacle from which liquid is evaporated, electric heating means in said receptacle for connecting with an electric circuit, means to automatically control the admission of liquid to said receptacle maintaining the liquid therein at a predetermined level, manual control means for interrupting the electric current and hence evaporation, and means for automatically resuming the fiow of current to said electric heating means to resume evaporation in case the liquid seeps into said receptacle while said manual control means is shut off.

18. In an electric humidifier, an evaporating receptacle, electrode heating means mounted in said receptacle, means to maintain a body of liquid at a predetermined level including a float control valve, means to move said electrodes into said liquid to cause evaporation and to withdraw said electrodes to stop evaporation, and means to constantly apply an electric potential on said electrodes whereby liquid seeping past said float control valve raises the liquid beyond said predetermined level initiating evaporation and preventing overflow of said liquid.

19. In an electric humidifier, a liquid-receiving receptacle; electric heating means in said receptacle; a sleeve surrounding said heating means forming a boiling compartment for liquid; and means to prevent excessive rise in the boiling level of the liquid in said compartment comprising an overflow above the liquid level of said receptacle for discharging boiling liquid from said compartment to said receptacle.

20. In an electric humidifier, a receptacle adapted to receive a body of liquid; a liquidreceiving cup-shaped element nested within said receptacle and removable therefrom, said element being provided with an open upper end and with a retaining pocket in the lower end; electric heating means in said element; means attaching said heating means to said element; and means providing a communicating passage between said element and said receptacle in the upper portion of said element.

21. In an electric humidifier, a liquid-receiving receptacle having an opening-provided cover for the ready discharge of vapor; a verticallydisposed boiling chamber in said receptacle adapted to receive liquid; means including a valve for maintaining at a predetermined level a body of liquid in said receptacle; and electric heating means in said boiling chamber, said boiling chamher having its upper end extended above the liquid level of said receptacle and adapted to discharge boiling liquid to said receptacle thus preventing excessive rise in the boiling level of the liquid in said boiling chamber.-

22. In an electric humidifier, a; liquid-receiving receptacle having an opening-provided cover for the ready discharge of vapor; a float compartment and an evaporating compartment in said receptacle; float-valve mechanism in said float compartment for controlling the admission of liquid thereto substantially at the rate of evaporation and maintaining such liquid at a predetermined level; means to conduct liquid from said float compartment to said evaporating compartment; electric heating means in said evaporating compartment; and means to limit the rise of the bank of boiling liquid within said evaporating compartment comprising overflow means between said compartments for discharging boiling liquid from said evaporating compartment to said float compartment.

23. In an electric humidifier, a receptacle adapted to receive liquid; a liquid passageway leading into said receptacle; a self-closing valve mounted in said passageway; means within said receptacle for opening said valve comprising a supporting element carrying at one end thereof 1 a fixed vertical spindle and at the opposite end a hinged arm extending horizontally toward said spindle, said arm being in contact with the valve stem of said valve; and a float slidable on said spindle resting upon the free end of said arm for opening said valve.

24. In an electric humidifier provided with a liquid-receiving receptacle, guide means in said receptacle; an insulating supporting element pivotally mounted in said receptacle; spaced elec-- trodes secured to said supporting element, one of said electrodes being in sliding contact with said guide means; and a manually operable member with cooperating means connecting with said supporting element for effecting vertical movement of said electrodes into and out of the liquid.

ELMER A. REID. 

